During the early winter of 1796, revolutionary France sent off a naval force to support Irish patriots in their struggle with England. A gale dispersed the fleet, but most of the vessels finally arrived at the rendezvous at Mizzenhead, off the Southwest tip of Ireland.
Just as the fleet was regrouping, another storm blew in. On the evening of December 22nd, La Resolue, at 134 ft. long X 34 ft wide, was hit severely damaged during the storm by La Redoutable, another ship from the same fleet. La Resolue was severely damaged, and, standing off Bantry Bay on December 24th, her longboat, commanded by Lieutenant Proteau, was dispatched to locate the commander of La Immortalite and request a tow. While attempting this risky trip, the longboat was driven ashore on Bere Island and the crew captured. She remains in Ireland to this day. Built as an admiral’s gig c.1790, she is the oldest surviving vessel in the French Navy.
Lance Lee (USA) and Bernard Cadoret (France) initiated Atlantic Challenge in 1986, when gigs from these two countries competed under the statue of liberty. Since, the organisation has grown to over 14 nations, and over 60 Bantry Bay gigs have been built worldwide. The event has taken place in many different countries as a standalone event and in conjunction with other maritime festivals.
Previous Challenges
| Year | Venue | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | New York, USA | US |
| 1988 | Douarnenez, France | Denmark |
| 1990 | Roskilda, Denmark | Denmark |
| 1992 | Brest, France | Denmark |
| 1994 | Penetang, Canada | Ireland |
| 1996 | Bantry ,Ireland | Denmark |
| 1998 | Roskilda , Denmark | Canada |
| 2000 | Douarnenez, France | Ireland |
| 2002 | Maine, USA | Ireland |
| 2004 | Fishguard | UK |